High praise for the Men in Pink
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a series of campaigns are usually pushed at this time, to increase awareness of the disease.
Amongst them was the CIBC FirstCaribbean and the Barbados Cancer Society Breast Screening Programme’s “Walk for the Cure 2017” event, held recently. Thousands turned out, wearing pink, for the annual breast cancer awareness walk, which by all reports, was a huge success.
As we can all agree, breast cancer is not only a disease for women, it can occur in men as well. However, it goes deeper; it touches families, organisations, the sisterhood and even the brotherhood. Given the fact that it was reported that more men apparently are encouraging their spouses and partners to get abnormalities in their breasts checked, let me say kudos to those men. Given the fact that more men are also proudly wearing pink to identify with the cause, let me say kudos to the “Men in Pink”. I celebrate you! We all need some strong support when faced with any health challenge and I am proud to hear that the local brotherhood is stepping up to the plate and supporting the sisterhood.
Boy, have we come a long way! As pointed out by some women’s advocates, “yesterday’s man” certainly would not have been caught checking his partner for breast cancer, far less wearing pink. However, fast forward to 2017 and we are now seeing men by the hundreds, not only opting to wear pink, the designated breast cancer awareness colour, but also opting to receive a pink ribbon on their lapel and joining in the awareness efforts such as the Pink Ribbon Appeal and the Walk For the Cure event.
Although there may be some men who still think that breast cancer is a problem only for women, I do believe that the majority do recognise its far reaching impact. Men may be in the minority where the disease is concerned, but I do believe that an increase in prostate cancer and other cancers prevalent in men, has heightened the awareness about the need for early detection and the need to be sensitive in general.
Like most involved, I too would like to see scientists honing in on the causes, to reduce the risk of those prone to developing the disease. I am happy with the work being done with the Breast Cancer Society and others to date however, to bring up to date equipment, information and campaigns to the Barbadian people, in the fight against this treacherous disease. I do hope we all unite, whatever our gender, and really and truly give support to those diagnosed with the disease, while celebrating those who have emerged as survivors, when touched by it.